Magic Tricks

If you're thinking of getting this trick, I think it'd be best to first ascertain what type of mentalism experience/knowledge you have.

If you're a beginner, get it. You'll learn a basic, foundational way of thinking that will introduce you to the sneakiness that is mentalism. This is a very easy trick that you will be able to perform right away once you're familiar with the patter and the outs.

If you're intermediate or advanced, I believe you will likely already have come by this method organically on your own or through other tricks you've purchased.

This isn't a bad trick at all. In fact, it's a trick that will not fail you ever, as all your outs are already built into your presentation. So, it's a safe one. If you're a beginner mentalist, perhaps this would be one of the first tricks you should learn.

Some of you, on seeing the explanation, might think, "wait. that's it?!! that's too simple!" But to that comment, I reply this: some of the best solutions are simple. Don't think that this trick is not good enough for your repertoire just because you can actually do it without 3 days of practice. Sometimes, simple is better. That said, I do have to admit, I had that exact reaction. It's so basic, so fundamental.

But remember this... DON'T UNDERESTIMATE SIMPLE. To laymen, everything can be magic if you perform it right... even the simplest of tricks. A svengali deck can seem very basic... but if you're a good performer, a svengali deck can kick some butt! Look at Gazzo with his Cups and Balls routine. Even though Cups and Balls is a very old and well-known routine, he takes his sweet time with it and makes it an entire entertaining show on its own. I mean, I can't believe how many extremely BASIC tricks are on America's Got Talent... but the magicians often still kill it on that show. So, accept the challenge... if you have miracle method, use your personal style and embellish this to make it something wonderful, a true miracle.

I do think that this is priced too high. I think $4.95 is more on target. But John seems like a super nice and likeable guy, so whatever.

So, to summarize... if you're new to mentalism, definitely get this. This is a footer for your foundation. If you have any mentalism experience whatsoever, it's very likely that this will be a "been there, done that" trick, so save your money.

(By the way, I always try to be honest and straightforward in my reviews, while being respectful to the magician. If you appreciate my reviews, can you please click the "Yes" button below beside the question, "Did this review help you?" It's not like I actually benefit in any way by your clicking it... but it would be nice to see if my reviews are helpful or not. I hope they are. If you ever have suggestions or comments or questions about my reviews, please feel free to leave me a constructive comment. I'm just trying to be helpful. I love the Penguin community and hope that I can someday contribute my own product. :-) Thanks for reading and for any (hopefully positive, but either way, at least kind) feedback!)